If you feel like you are always hungry and want to learn to eat foods that help you feel full for longer, consider adding more fiber to your diet with high-fiber, low-carb foods: non-starchy fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes (beans, lentils, peas).
1. Raspberries
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A 3.5-ounce (oz) serving of raspberries contains:
- Carbohydrates (carbs): 12 g
- Fiber: 7 g
One handful of raspberries contributes about 25% to your daily fiber needs.
Enjoy raspberries alone or atop a bowl of yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or granola.
2. Blackberries
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A 3.5-oz serving of blackberries contains:
To put these numbers into context, other berries, like blueberries and strawberries, contain 2 g of fiber, significantly lower levels than in blackberries.
3. Avocado
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A 3.5-oz serving of avocado contains:
For reference, one whole avocado without skin and seed is about 4.7 oz.
Avocado is a healthy source of fat. It also contains potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and other nutrients. This fruit is typically grown in Mexico and Central America and can be made into guacamole, chopped up in salads, or spread on toast.
4. Cauliflower
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A 3.5-oz serving of cauliflower contains:
The low carbohydrate count explains why cauliflower is a pillar of low-carb diets.
There are numerous ways to prepare this vegetable for more interesting flavors and textures. Beyond steaming, consider roasting, mashing, baking, or eating it in its ground-up form as cauliflower rice or as a naturally gluten-free pizza base.
5. Broccoli
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Broccoli contains the following per 3.5-oz serving:
It contains high levels of vitamin C, which is beneficial for your immune system, and calcium and vitamin K, which keep your bones healthy.
6. Green Beans
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A 3.5-oz serving of green beans contains:
Green beans are a much lower-carb option than garbanzo or black beans, which contain significant fiber (6–7 g, respectively) but are also higher in carbs, at 20 g per serving.
7. Edamame
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Edamame (immature soybeans) contain the following per 3.5-oz serving:
Edamame is popular in East Asian cuisine and is often served steamed, either in their shells or not, with a pinch of salt for a flavor boost.
8. Kale
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Kale contains the following per 3.5-oz serving:
Like other dark leafy green vegetables and cruciferous vegetables, kale is packed with essential nutrients and is often called a “superfood.”
It’s also a good option when you are trying to increase your fiber intake while maintaining a low-carb eating pattern.
9. Brussels Sprouts
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Brussels sprouts contain the following per 3.5-oz serving:
Brussels sprouts support your immune system, blood, and bone health, and contain antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage.
10. Oat Bran
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Oat bran, the outermost layer of an oat kernel, contains the following per 3.5-oz serving:
The carbohydrate content of oat bran is pretty low, compared to the 48 g of carbs in the same amount of wheat bread.
You can eat oat bran boiled or baked as a porridge or baked good, or sprinkle it on top of fruits, yogurt, or salads.
11. Brazil Nuts
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Brazil nuts contain the following per 3.5-oz serving:
Most nuts are high in fiber, but contain high levels of carbohydrates. Brazil nuts are an exception to this rule.
You can eat them individually, include them in salads, or grind them into nut butter.
What Is Fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that supports overall health and weight management. You can find it in plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Eating foods high in fiber can make you feel full faster and trigger appetite-reducing hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine (PYY), in your intestines to help keep you full longer.
Since fiber is a carbohydrate, many high-fiber foods are also high in carbs. However, it’s possible to eat a low-carb diet while incorporating plenty of fibrous foods—if you know which foods to choose.
What Are Net Carbs?
Net carbs are when you subtract fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate amount. For example, blackberries contain 10 g of carbohydrates, 5 g of fiber, and 5 g of net carbohydrates.
10 g carbs – 5 g fiber = 5 g net carbs
The theory is that your body doesn’t break down or digest fiber like other carbohydrates, so it doesn’t affect your blood sugar.
However, not all experts agree about the use of net carbs. The formula for net carbs assumes that the body doesn’t metabolize any of the fiber you consume, which is not always true. Your body may partially digest some fiber, providing calories and impacting blood sugar levels.
So while net carbs may be a helpful tool, it isn’t perfect.
Summary
Eating foods that are high in fiber but low in carbs can help you feel full longer. These foods are typically low in calories, naturally decreasing your caloric intake while avoiding significant blood sugar spikes and drops.
Top High-Fiber, Low-Carb Foods to Keep You Full
If you’re constantly battling hunger and seeking ways to enhance satiety through your diet, incorporating high-fiber, low-carbohydrate foods can be highly effective. These nutrient-dense options not only support weight management but also contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the best choices you can include in your meals.
1. Raspberries
A 3.5-ounce serving of raspberries offers:
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 7 g
One handful of these vibrant berries can provide about 25% of your daily fiber requirements. Enjoy them on their own or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
2. Blackberries
In a similar serving size of 3.5 ounces, blackberries contain:
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
Compared to strawberries and blueberries, which contain lower levels of fiber, blackberries stand out as a fiber-rich choice.
3. Avocado
One whole avocado, about 4.7 ounces without skin and seed, delivers:
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 9 g
Avocados are not only high in monounsaturated fats but also packed with potassium and vitamins C and B6. They can be used in salads, spreads, or simply as a side dish.
4. Cauliflower
A serving of 3.5 ounces of cauliflower contains:
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 3 g
With low carbohydrate content, cauliflower is popular in low-carb diets and can be served in various ways, such as roasted, mashed, or as cauliflower rice.
5. Broccoli
For a 3.5-ounce serving of broccoli, the composition is as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2.6 g
This vegetable is a great source of vitamin C and calcium, supporting immune function and bone health.
6. Green Beans
In a 3.5-ounce serving of green beans, you’ll find:
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Unlike higher-carb legumes, green beans provide a satisfying crunch with considerably fewer carbohydrates.
7. Edamame
This immature soybean serves up:
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
Edamame is often enjoyed steamed, making it a nutritious snack option and a popular dish in East Asian cuisines.
8. Kale
A 3.5-ounce serving of kale contains:
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 4 g
This leafy green is recognized for its health benefits and is versatile in various dishes, including salads and smoothies.
9. Brussels Sprouts
A serving of Brussels sprouts provides:
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
They are high in antioxidants and support overall health, particularly in blood and bone strength.
10. Oat Bran
A 3.5-ounce serving of oat bran contains:
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 15 g
With its high fiber content, oat bran is an excellent addition to baked goods or can be consumed as porridge.
11. Brazil Nuts
A 3.5-ounce serving offers:
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 7 g
These nuts are unique for their lower carb content compared to others, making them a filling snack or a salad topping.
Understanding Fiber
Fiber is a vital component of carbohydrates found in plant-based foods, playing a crucial role in digestion and overall health. High-fiber foods assist in appetite regulation by enhancing feelings of fullness.
What Are Net Carbs?
Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from the total carbohydrates in a food item. For example, blackberries provide 10 grams of total carbohydrates comprising 5 grams of fiber, leading to 5 grams of net carbs. Understanding how to manage net carb intake can aid in dietary decisions.
Conclusion
Incorporating high-fiber, low-carb foods into your diet can significantly enhance your sense of fullness while providing essential nutrients. These foods typically are low in calories, aiding in weight management and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.